Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Team Development
61 Inspire and lead a high-performing team of material developers, providing coaching, mentorship, and professional development.
61 Define key responsibilities and practices to promote teamwork, innovation, and confidence in leadership.
61 Monitor team performance, ensuring adherence to legal, operational, and quality compliance standards.
61 Foster a culture of collaboration and accountability, supporting cross-functional goals across Materials design, product strategy, sourcing, and sustainability.
Material Development
61 Develop and execute a strategic multi-season material development aligned with REI’s product and brand goals.
61 Evaluate material performance, quality, and sustainability to meet REI Co-op Brands’ aesthetic, functional, and environmental requirements.
61 Partner with Material design and product development teams to deliver innovative material stories that reflect consumer insights and field use.
61 Drive continuous improvement by assessing risks, addressing challenges, and refining materials through lab and 3rd party testing validation processes.
61 Support material developers to achieve seasonal material development according to material development milestones and timelines.
Supplier and Vendor Management
61 Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with global and regional suppliers, driving efficiency and optimizing the materials portfolio.
61 Oversee vendor performance and conduct on-site troubleshooting to ensure adherence to quality and delivery standards.
61 Provide technical / manufacturing inputs on supplier sourcing activities
61 Provide technical guidance during production trials and commercial transfers, ensuring smooth execution and scalability.
Operational and Strategic Excellence
61 Plan and execute materials calendars and processes, ensuring milestones are achieved across departments.
61 Attend material shows and industry events to source new materials and gain insights into supplier capabilities.
61 Collaborate with REI Sourcing to support vendors / suppliers sourcing strategies to support REI business strategic needs.
61 Collaborate with HQ teams to support innovation projects and ensure successful regional implementation.
61 Develop and maintain a strategic toolbox of materials that enhance profitability and operational efficiency.
Qualifications:
61 Bachelor's orabove degree in Materials Science, Textile Technology, or related field.
61 10+ years of experience in material development, within the outdoor or related industries.
61 Proven ability to lead teams and manage cross-functional projects in a global, fast-paced environment.
61 Strong technical expertise in fabric, coating, lamination and insulation, with hands-on experience in commercialization.
61 Deep understanding of sustainability certifications and industry standards (e.g., Textile Exchange, GRS).
61 Exceptional negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Fluent English in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Impact & Scope:
61 Directly supervise a team of material developers, influencing REI’s material strategy globally.
61 Oversee vendor agreements and licensing to ensure compliance with REI’s operational goals.
61 Serve as a key liaison between Asia-based suppliers, HQ teams, and sustainability initiatives.